Dual battery setup? Help.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Dual battery setup? Help.
My truck is setup for two batteries... however, my auxillary battery hasn't worked since I got the truck...it only puts out about 2V. So last week, while pulling out some mystery unit (see my other post titled "Pacesetter?"), I disconnected the aux battery, and the isolator... I let it sit out over the weekend, and went out this morning (Wedsenday) and the main battery is completely dead. Had my wife take me to work, and have been thinking about the truck probs all day. I'm trying to figure out if I disrupted some sort of circuit path from the main battery to the alternator by disconnecting the isolator and aux battery (even though the aux battery was as good as dead). Does that sound plausible? This is the first truck I've owned with the dual battery setup, so I really have no idea, so any input would be appreciated.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: I live in a warehouse in
I'd like to know more about this set-up. My truck originally had two batteries, but has only had one since I got it. What are the advantages to the dual set-up and what should I look for as far as making sure all the necessary parts are still in there to go back to that set-up?
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That's a good question... I've got no idea. That's why I'm looking for help. Haha. The setup looks simple enough from what I can tell. You have your main batter that has a lead coming off the solenoid that goes to your battery isolator, then a positive & negative lead coming off the isolator going to your Auxilary battery terminals, as well as one remaining lead off the isolator which is where the alternator hooks in. I think the main advantage (key word: I think) is that you have auxillary power for running power out to a trailer for it to work off of. Other than that, I'm not quite sure... unless you've just got a bunch of extra stereo equipment or something and you need backup power.
Anybody can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...
Anybody can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 466
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Sorry I can't help with the question.....but... i was just at the junk yard picking up some parts when I noticed that one of the trucks had the battery trays from the dual battery system. I bought the main battery tray and if anyone could use the other tray let me know. They are both in pretty good shape. I had never noticed it before but the trays are exact opposites...like a mirror image, they are only made for one particular side.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Originally Posted by Knight70F250
I'd like to know more about this set-up. My truck originally had two batteries, but has only had one since I got it. What are the advantages to the dual set-up and what should I look for as far as making sure all the necessary parts are still in there to go back to that set-up?
This is before modern quiet generators, and campgrounds with more hookups.
hope this gives a little insight
John
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
Most likely you have a short or something on that was connected to the 2nd battery. You removed the isolator, so now that drain/short is hooked up directly to the 1st battery. The first thing is to check for a short by removing the neg terminal (after charging) and connecting up a test light to see if there is a short. Then use a amp meter to check for a drain.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2003
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From: Scenic Wisconsin
My '68 F250 is setup for dual batteries also, but one of them was gone when I bought it. The previous owner simply taped up the cable ends so they wouldn't end up grounding on something.
I just bought the truck so I haven't had much of a chance to look into the setup. One interesting thing I noticed is 2 solenoids on the fender - not sure what that's all about.
I'll try to take a look at my setup this weekend and see if I can offer any useful information.
I just bought the truck so I haven't had much of a chance to look into the setup. One interesting thing I noticed is 2 solenoids on the fender - not sure what that's all about.
I'll try to take a look at my setup this weekend and see if I can offer any useful information.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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dble battery
My 67 camper special used to have two batteries, the main box is still in place-somewhat rusted,but the other is now just a wooden tray -primarily used to store oil, brake fluid 
...Dav1972, Iwould be interested in the secondary batt.tray if you still have it.
...Dav1972, Iwould be interested in the secondary batt.tray if you still have it.
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